PV Workshop
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18nyOgvA7CS7n3tYejE1_B3cf6sx6MsTHimqvOp1hrFM/edit
Overview
The OBI + OSE Off-Grid PV Workshop is a workshop where you will learn to design and install a complete, rooftop, 3kW, off-grid PV system for a home - for $3000 in materials. The workshop involves a complete install of a 3kW system from the roof mounting system - to a control panel with power measurement, a battery bank, wall outlets, and a super-efficient refrigerator. We will show you how to convert a chest freezer to a super-efficient refrigerator which draws only 8 watts of power on average. This 12x less than an average refrigerator - and is one of the critical elements that allow for building a low cost system with a small battery bank - as the main load at night is a refrigerator. We will measure all the loads in the system - so that a power management strategy emerges for running all loads in summer and winter. The intended audience is anyone who wants to learn about PV systems first hand - and especially anyone who wants to pay their last utility bill at a cost of $3k for a complete off-grid system like the one in the workshop.
Program
- June 4-6, 2018
- Today was Feb 4 = T-120
- Assets - Design Book given to participants. Others can purchase the book online, printed or e-book on the OBI site, OSE site
- Preparation required:
- All materials on-site at T-30
- All materials ordered at T-60
- Updated full CAD of control panel + PV panels.
Day 1
- 8 AM - Intro. Design Overview
- 9-12 - Build of Railings + Roof Mounts Build
- 12-1 - Lunch
- 1-2 - Afternoon Design Discussion
- 2-5 - Installation of PV Panels + Wiring
- Dinner 6-7
- Discussion, Q&A 7-8
Day 2
- 8 AM - Control Panel Design Discussion
- 9-12 - Build of Control Panel
- 12-1 - Lunch
- 1-2 - Afternoon Design Discussion: Wiring, safety, code compliance
- 2-5 - Install of Wiring, breakers, and outlets
- Dinner 6-7
- Discussion, Q&A 7-8
Day 3
- 8 AM - Morning Design Discussion - How to Test the System
- 9-12 - Installing measurement devices, measuring power usage, and Power On.
- 12-1 - Disconnection from the Grid Ceremony + Lunch
- 1-2 - Energy Management Discussion: Load Strategy + Super-efficient Refrigerator
- 2-5 - Building a Super-efficient refrigerator controller + Install of SuperFridge
- Dinner 6-7
- Discussion, Q&A 7-8